Storm damage remains in Olympic National Forest during government shutdown

Signs on park ranger stations throughout the Olympic National Forest read: “Closed due to the lapse in federal government funding.”

“I don’t know if this shutdown is going to end any time soon. It’s pretty bad,” said Jeff Erb.

Carol Guettler and her 16-year-old son are traveling the Olympic Peninsula Loop. She said she’s disappointed by what they’ve seen along the way.

“It’s kind of a bummer to see everything closed and we’re considering we should set up some volunteers to at least empty some of the garbage cans and things like that,” she said.

Without rangers working, garbage cans aren’t being emptied. Visitors said they’ve seen them overflowing in spots. Park visitor centers and restrooms are also closed.

Windstorms brought trees down over trails, and onto roadways and buildings.

“We couldn’t take a little trip into Port Angeles because it was completely covered, both ways were completely covered with logs, so we couldn’t go anywhere,” said Guettler.

One spot still open is the Quinault Lodge. Visitors who booked their trip weeks ago said they were worried about the government shutdown.

“We did have questions about-- would certain areas be closed off, certain park trails?” said Dave Sheed.

Since many trails are open, the shutdown isn’t keeping people from enjoying the scenery. Without park rangers on hand, hikers said they’re hoping for the best.

“I was hoping to talk to them about trail conditions, so hopefully it’s not an issue. We’ll see how far I can get up the mountain,” said Katie Costinett.

Tree limbs and branches will stay on the ground until volunteers pick them up or the government shutdown ends.

More news from KIRO 7

• Snoqualmie Pass closed after multiple crashes, including one fatality
• Seattle police release body cam video of fatal officer-involved shooting
• Local nurse sentenced to 30 years for child molestation, still saw patients before trial
• Seattle father arrested for locking 5-year-old son in 'wooden box'
• Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Cox Media Group